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When the El Paso Rhinos hockey team opens Western States Hockey League play for the 2010-2011 Season, it will be on the road Friday in Colorado. The Rhinos take the ice against the Boulder Bison team that knocked the Rhinos out of the playoffs earlier this year.

Rhino Coach Cory Herman likes the matchup. “Starting this way is the best way to begin the season. You get to measure early how good you are and where you need to improve.”

Herman described his “blue collar” game philosophy as something that will never change under his watch. “Our forwards need to work both ends of the ice, not just in front of the opponent’s goalie. We have three of six defensemen returning from last year. We are very comfortable with goalies Keenan Wallace (returnee) and Matt Paloscio.”

Boulder should be putting a “skilled team” on the ice, according to Herman. “They pull so many players from the Colorado area. They are well coached; we have our work cut out for us.”